Like a Virgin—fed for the very first time

I’m a pretty loyal Southwest Airlines flyer, but with the frequent-flyer program revamp and climbing fare prices, I’ve been feeling a little … restless. So when Dave and I found cheap flights for our trip to California through Virgin America, I was ready and willing to be deflowered.

I thought Southwest peanuts and pretzels were the last vestiges of edible airline snacks, so imagine my excitement over Virgin’s great food and drink selection and nifty personal touch-screen ordering.

Regardless of the fact that we were sipping them from plastic cups, the specialty cocktails made us feel fancy. Along with expected snack-food stand-ins, Virgin stocks natural, off-the-beaten-grocery-aisle bites and libations. Best of all, I felt no judgement from the flight attendant when accepting my sixth bag of 479° Fleur de Sel Caramel Popcorn. Everything is free for us Main Cabin Select passengers (told you I was fancy), and I took full advantage.

The cheese plate was also surprisingly delicious—with smokey gouda, cheddar, brie, swiss, an adorable little dried fig, grapes and rosemary lavosh (which, dare I say, was better than mine). Dave’s BBQ roast beef wrap was good also—far more exciting than your typical turkey croissant (which they also offer, in case you’re feeling bland).

I can now say that nibbling on brie, sipping a Cloud Hopper cocktail (Honest Ade Pomegranate, vodka and ginger ale) and watching The Sitter on your own personal TV really is the only way to fly.